Meet the heroes – and for a limited time – save money: “Believe in Heroes” is a Wounded Warrior Project initiative to raise citizen awareness of the sacrifices made by those who protect our country. A part of this program recognizes national brands which support our military heroes. Fifty dollars of printable grocery coupons from brands such as Heinz, Swanson, Jimmy Dean, Ocean Spray and Purina are available by going to WoundedWarriorProject.org and clicking on “Believe in Heroes.” While you are there, you can meet those who “Believe in Heroes” and warriors serving their comrades, told in their own words.
TroopSwap deals for veterans, military service members and their immediate family: Their goal is to “reward a life of service” and they do that by donating 10 percent of their profits to the Wounded Warrior Project. Most TroopSwap deals are local deals for the Hampton Roads, Va.; San Diego, Calif.: and Washington, D.C. areas. However, you can find online deals and discounts, as they’re offered for national companies or online businesses.
Make a Veterans Day Keepsake: One of my favorite sources for fun learning activities is CurrClick.com. They offer affordable, printable resources for nearly any subject, for preschoolers through high school. Find the “My Veterans Day Activity Booklet” (50 cent) and a “Veterans Day Mini Study” ($1) by going to CurrClick.com and typing “Veterans Day” in the search box. These learning and activity books make great keepsakes, as well as great ideas for family-time projects. (Freebie Bonus for Thanksgiving: enter “Thanksgiving Notebooking Pages” in the search box and you’ll find two free printable notebook collections. Once you download the file, you’ll be able to pick and choose what you want to print.)
Black Friday is Coming! Everyone has their own “Day after Thanksgiving” traditions. My family, schooled in frugality all of our lives, will be spending “Black Friday” in the local thrift stores. It’s just who we are, and in times like these, we can say we are being both “earth friendly” and fiscally conservative. Retailers, starving for your hard-earned dollar, are hoping you’ll set your clocks even earlier than before, as some are opening at midnight Friday morning. Preview the deals by going to blackfriday2011.com or blackfriday.com. My advice is to begin saving your cash now, plan what you’re going to buy (and for how much), and carry that saved cash with you. Or, spend the weekend beginning your homemade gifts and planning a calendar of fun holiday memories – which won’t leave you in holiday hangover come January.
“Help! I’m Drowning in Artwork!” I heard this from a mother in the school hallway recently. I’ve got a few suggestions for you. Especially for those with relatives living far away, have your child send their artwork as a way of keeping in touch. When my kids come home with completed papers, I review the work with them. Then, I ask them to choose one or two pieces for us to display. When the displayed work is refreshed with new pieces, I have a box I keep for the entire school year. Some will be forever keepsakes, some we will photograph for scrapbooks, and others will be shared with relatives. A child’s artwork also makes great wrapping paper, greeting cards, gift labels and placemats for the holidays.
Happy Thanksgiving…. Allow me to share a favorite quote with you: “In this world, it is not what we take up, but what we give up, that makes us rich.”
-Henry Ward Beecher
Amy Hannold is a money-saving mentor, coordinator of the North Whidbey Coupon Club, the proud wife of a retired Navy Chief and a busy mom. Her columns appear the second Friday of each month. Send questions to ahannold@comcast.net.
